Mice that eat a high-fat diet start snacking more during the day—when they normally sleep—and eat less at night—when they normally are active.

Scientific Claim

Female ICR mice fed a high-fat diet (60% kcal from fat) for four weeks exhibit a significant shift in diurnal feeding behavior, consuming more food during the light phase (rest period) and less during the dark phase (active period) compared to controls.

Original Statement

“HF mice consumed more during the day (P<0.05) than CON mice after 1 week on diets... In week 2, HF mice consumed significantly more food than those on CON diet during the day... but during the night this pattern reversed...”

From study:High fat diet induces obesity, alters eating pattern and disrupts corticosterone circadian rhythms in female ICR mice

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The study design supports descriptive claims about behavioral changes in mice under controlled conditions. The verb 'exhibit' is appropriate for observed associations in animal models.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

High fat diet induces obesity, alters eating pattern and disrupts corticosterone circadian rhythms in female ICR mice

Cohort Study

Animal

2023

The study found that female mice eating a very fatty diet started eating more during the day (when they normally sleep) and less at night (when they normally eat), which is the exact behavior described in the claim.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

High fat diet induces obesity, alters eating pattern and disrupts corticosterone circadian rhythms in female ICR mice

Score: 15

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279209

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